Customer Reviews

Journey Into Day: Meditations for New Cancer Patients

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Rusty Freeman, pastor of Johnstown Presbyterian Church, and a two-time cancer survivor, offers prayers, poetry, scripture, and meditations helpful to anyone, but particularly written for cancer patients. In his introduction Freeman reminds us that 4 things....not 2... are with us also. Death and taxes come, and also trials and the love of God can be counted on! Somewhere in the book we are told that whether we're facing a fresh diagnosis, a surgery, chemotherapy or even struggling with remission, this book is for us. I believe it!! Continually we are reminded that God loves us and is with us throughout our trials.

"A two-time cancer survivor describes his struggles with the disease as a roller-coaster ride, complete with unexpected dips and loops and turns. Writing with fear of the unknown but hope for the future - wherever that may be - Rusty Freeman speaks candidly of his journey. Based on the assurance of Scripture, these meditations, prayers and poems offer encouragement to patients whether facing a new diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, raditaion, or remission. From negative thoughts in "Assuming the Worst," "Lowering Expectations," "Angry with God," "Tired of Surviving," and "Emotionally Handicapped Friends" to the postive tones of "Joy is a Choice" and "Almost There," the author urges readers to make their suffering a blessing to others and in the process to find personal healing."
- reviewed in Baptists Today, July 2001

"Brief reflections on a host of topics dealing with the unique experiences of being a cancer patient. An excellent section on "Emotionally Handicapped Friends" and the need to have friends cry with you without fear of upsetting anyone."
- a review from Then Living Church magazine, July 23, 2000

I love the image on the front cover--the open window. That is how I felt when reading these meditations--as if a window had been opened to let in light and fresh air. They gave "voice" to what I have been thinking and feeling. The combination of stories, wisdom, and scripture is just right. As a caregiver, these meditations have been a blessing to me, not just to my spouse who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. I can see us going back to some of these meditations even when he is no longer a "new" patient.

This book is the BEST. I purchase it for any one I know who has cancer. I facilitate a cancer support group and everyone there finds this book very
helpful as I do - even as an 8 year survivor, I still go it this book.